RECTOR OFFICIALLY FLAGS OFF DAM CONSTRUCTION AT FPI - ISSUES QUIT NOTICE TO OCCUPIERS

The long-awaited Dam construction project at The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro has been officially flagged off, as the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) moved to site for the Turning Of The Sod ceremony and site clearing,  signifying the first stage of construction. 

The activities held right at the Dam site is historical, it had always been in the budget of the Federal Government for many years until the President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR changed the narrative to make it happened and with the push of the Aremo of Yewa Land, the uncommon Senator, the Chairman of Appropriation Committee, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI), CON, FCA, FCTI, FPPI supported the Polytechnic created in 1979. 

The groundbreaking of the Dam in the Polytechnic yesterday July 16, 2025 marked a huge milestone for the Council, Principal Officers, Management, Staff and  Students. The  atmosphere was indeed electric.

In what was definitely a day of joy and answered prayers, the institution’s Rector, Dr. Mukail Akinde, FCA, FCTI delivered a warm and heartfelt appreciative speech to declare the event opened. 

He expressed how grateful he was that this remarkable project began during his tenure. 

He lavishly appreciated the phenomenal developmental strides of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, The Most Distinguished Senator, the 'Kosheleri' of Ogun West, the Council ably led by Alhaji Garba Bilal Gashua and other principal officers, management, staff and students of the Polytechnic for their unflinching supports, discipline, commitment, unity and dedication to duty. 

He specifically recognized the Deputy Rector (Administration), Tpl Lukman Lasisi and Engr. Olumuyiwa Aikulola for their continuous support and leadership in bringing the vision to life.

Tpl Lasisi, who had, on behalf of the Rector, been overseeing the entire process of turning the dam vision into reality, also spoke passionately at the event. 

He explained how the project, when completed, would not only help in solving water-related issues for the campus, but would also create valuable practical learning experiences for students, especially those in the schools of Engineering, Agriculture as well as Pure and Applied Sciences who will be learning during the Dam construction. 

Other principal officers, the Deputy Rector, Academics, Dr Mrs C. B. Iro-Idoro, the Registrar, Mrs A. F Babatola, the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Mrs. B. C. Atulomah and the Bursar, Mr. M. B. Akinola were also present, with each giving brief but thoughtful remarks as they shared in the joy of the day. 

The Rector thanked everyone who had played one significant part or the other in making the dam construction a reality and a milestone project. 

He further emphasized that this kind of LEGACY Project had not  happened since the creation of the Polytechnic in 1979 and it will not have been possible without the approval of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Solomon  Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI), FCA, CON, FFPI, the Olu Ilaro, The Executive Director of Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority, the Executive Director, Prince Femi Dokunmu, former Chairman and Executive Director of the Agency, a Council Member of the Polytechnic representing the Community, Chief Mrs Iyabode Matilda Apampa and the Agarawu Orunmila, the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, HRM Oba Dr. Esv Kehinde Olugbenle, Ashade Agunloye IV. 

The Project Supervisor, Engr. Fasasi 'Bayo Ajesola, a respected Dam expert praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining projects that directly affect education and rural development. 

He also appreciated his boss and leadership at Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority for trusting him with such a significant assignment of this nature, adding that he was excited to be allowed to let his “efforts shine” on a project that combines technical work with educational impact.

After the opening activities, the entire team proceeded to the actual construction site, where land clearing had already begun. 

Historical group photographs were taken to commemorate the moment, one that, according to the Rector, Dr Akinde, will go down in FPI’s history as the official Commencement of the construction of not only the institution's first Dam project, but the first in Yewa South. 

The start off of the Dam construction
stands not only as a testament to the institution's visionary leadership, effective collaboration with OORBDA but also as a bold symbol of Federal Polytechnic Ilaro’s transition into a University of Technology, committed to blending theory with practical and innovation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Akinde seized the occasion to, once again, appeal to everyone farming or doing one thing or the other on the Polytechnic land, especially the  vast area earmarked for the Dam construction to begin to vacate the area.
According to him, the Federal, Government who owns the land has indicated it's readiness to use the land, it is therefore expedient for other users to start the process of harvesting their produce so as to avoid loosing them to construction process.